The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Kenyan embassy in the Vatican City, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement with the Holy See and advancing Kenya’s global moral and development diplomacy.
The Vatican City — home to the Holy See and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church — is recognized as a key player in international peacebuilding, humanitarian work, and interfaith dialogue.
The government said the establishment of a resident mission will enhance Kenya’s collaboration with the Vatican on a range of global issues, including peace, climate action, and social welfare.
According to a Cabinet dispatch following Tuesday’s meeting, the new embassy will not only deepen bilateral relations but also bolster Kenya’s engagement with the Vatican’s extensive global network of faith-based organizations.
The Holy See’s institutions are among the world’s most influential humanitarian and development actors, making the partnership a strategic step in aligning Kenya’s foreign policy with moral diplomacy and people-centered development.
“The Vatican City holds significant influence in global peace, dialogue, and humanitarian affairs. A resident embassy will deepen bilateral relations, enhance collaboration in peace-building, climate action, and humanitarian initiatives,” the Cabinet statement noted.
The move is also expected to strengthen cooperation with Catholic development agencies, which play a major role in Kenya’s social and economic sectors.
Catholic institutions in the country currently manage more than 7,700 schools and 500 health facilities, contributing directly to national goals in education, healthcare, and community welfare.
Officials said the embassy will provide a formal platform for sustained engagement with these agencies, supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Through enhanced partnerships, Kenya aims to leverage faith-based investment and expertise in poverty reduction, health services, and youth empowerment.
In addition to the Vatican mission, the Cabinet also approved the opening of two new embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Hanoi, Vietnam. The decision is part of Kenya’s broader effort to expand its diplomatic footprint and strengthen trade and investment relations with key international partners.
The government said the new missions will enable Kenya to pursue strategic economic interests, promote exports, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance cooperation in green technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
“The establishment of these embassies will expand Kenya’s diplomatic presence, strengthen bilateral and trade relations, and advance the country’s strategic interests globally,” the statement said.
The move underscores President William Ruto’s focus on repositioning Kenya as an active global player, using diplomacy not only to build alliances but also to drive social and economic transformation at home.
